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Who are the best Watford players to consider under Pearson?

Nigel Pearson’s arrival at Watford has triggered a much-needed resurgence at Vicarage Road – but can Fantasy Premier League managers trust their assets just yet?

The former Leicester City manager has been in charge of the Hornets for a month now, which is more than enough time for us to assess the impact he has had.

We will go over recent matches to find out, as a result, whether or not there are any viable options to invest in for Fantasy managers.

As this article uses data from the Fantasy Football Scout Members Area, only those who are signed up either on a season-long or monthly Membership can access it in full.

What has Pearson changed?

After experiments with a three-man back-line under Quique Sanchez Flores, Pearson has lined up Watford in a 4-2-3-1 formation in every match so far.

Following his return from injury, Troy Deeney (£6.2m) is leading the line again while Gerard Deulofeu (£6.1m) and Ismaïla Sarr (£6.2m) have most often chosen to flank the attacking midfield either side of Abdoulaye Doucouré (£5.6m).

At the back, Kiko Femenía (£4.2m) has started every match at left-back with Craig Cathcart (£4.3m) and Christian Kabasele (£4.3m) the preferred options in central defence, although the latter is now suspended for Gameweek 22 following a Gameweek 21 sending off, his second of the season.

The right-back spot has been less settled, especially with Daryl Janmaat (£4.1m) out injured. In his absence, Adrian Mariappa (£4.2m) has largely deputised although his Gameweek 20 sending off saw Craig Dawson (£4.8m) feature there last time.

Crucially, these team selection decisions have helped Watford drastically improve their fortunes from Gameweek 17 onwards, when Pearson took charge of his first game.

During the last five Gameweeks, they have won all three home games, against Manchester United, Aston Villa and Wolves, proving that they can arguably record a positive result against a range of different teams.

Gameweeks 1 to 16 (left) compared with Gameweeks 17 to 21 (right)

The Hornets only scored nine goals in the first 16 matches of the 2019/20 campaign, a period which saw them managed by three different men, Javi Gracia, Flores and Hayden Mullins.

By contrast, in the last five matches, Pearson’s men have found the net eight times, a drastic improvement.

Assists between the two periods have also risen, from four to five – and from 0.2 per game to 1.0.

The defence has improved too. Goals conceded per game has halved from 1.9 to 0.8 while clean sheets per game have doubled from 0.2 to 0.4.

While the results have been impressive, the question is whether or not they are sustainable – which is where the underlying statistics come in.

In order to do this, we have run comparisons between the first 16 Gameweeks of the season against Gameweeks 17 to 21.

What has happened to Watford’s Goal Threat data?

1,368 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    What to do with Martial?

    1. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Get rid and lie if anyone asks if you ever owned him.

      1. Konstaapeli
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        I'd keep for Norwich and sell very quickly and quietly after

    2. Konstaapeli
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Don't buy, don't sell.

    3. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Keep if fit with 3 out of 4 home games

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        and probably get 2 points in the away one?

        1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Maybe, maybe not. Hard guy to predict.

    4. Regin
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      i am keeping. manU are blowing hot & cold so need atleast 1 of martial or rash. martial cheaper so keeping him.

    5. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Err... Norwich 🙂

    6. I Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      What's wrong with Martial? 15 and 8 before blanking against Arsenal.

      1. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        He blanked once - burn the witch!

    7. melvinmbabazi
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      keep

    8. nolard
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Take him behind the shed

  2. Konstaapeli
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Thinking of ways to get Mane + Salah combo for GW24. Which is better?

    A) KDB + DLC
    B) Maddison + Rashford

    1. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I’d rather have A, but you couldn’t go wrong with either of those options.

      1. Konstaapeli
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers. Both look pretty good.

    2. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      B for me

      1. Konstaapeli
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        B might be more "fixture proof". DLC has few nice green fixtures but those turns red pretty soon.

    3. Regin
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      i am getting rid of kdb come gw24 also due to city fixtures getting harder from gw24 compared to LIV

    4. melvinmbabazi
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      b

  3. EL tridente
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Bench 1:
    A) Lundstram
    B) Van Dijk
    C) Soyuncu
    D) Maupay
    E) Traore

    1. Niho992
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      E

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      B - D
      If you think Ings scores as always, C.

    3. Regin
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      d. Everton defense improving

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Couldn't keep Pool out.

  4. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Which combo gets more points in the next 3?

    A) Sibide and Pope

    B) Dunk and Pickford

    1. Konstaapeli
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I hope A

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      B

  5. Ruinenlust
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Any news on Jimenez?

    1. Arctic monkeys
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      What kind of news

    2. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Hopefully nothing ive missed?

    3. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Ready for the weekend.

    4. DeathoftheParty
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      He absolutely starvin

  6. JJeyy
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Henderson or Fabianski... Which preferred option?

    1. Konstaapeli
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Ryan

      1. JJeyy
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Stats say Brighton arent solid

    2. Regin
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      henderson of the 2

    3. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Fab when Hendo from 26

      1. FPL Pillars
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Then*

      2. JJeyy
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        bit of an ft waste tho

    4. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      West Ham potentially have 2 games more than Sheff Utd in the next 7 GWs

  7. Sun Jihai
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    I have to keep Gazzaniga this week right, with 1 FT and 0.0 ITB? My only hope is one of his only ever decent GW scores was in the reverse fixture!

    1. Karhumies
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      McCarthy?

      1. Sun Jihai
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Considering that, but Leicester isn't a great fixture either!

  8. Kuzser
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    What’s the best bunch of players to go ahead with to accomodate a 3rd LIV player?

    a) Rico - Maddison Salah Dendo - DCL play 3-4-3
    b) 3.9 - Salah Grealish Maddison -Greenwood play 3-5-2
    c) Rico - Grealish Salah Dendo - Jimenez play 3-4-3
    d) Robbo/VVD - Richarlison/Martial Maddison Dendo - Jimenez

    Ramsdale
    Taa Soy Lundstram Kelly X
    Mane Kdb X X X
    Vardy Ings X

    1. Karhumies
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Firmino?

    2. D.Glynn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I like b

  9. Regin
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    repost

    Planning alli to maddisson now.

    save a FT & then for DGW:

    kdb to salah
    maddison to grealish/ traore

    how does it sound?

  10. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Would you sell Aurier or keep him for the two good games(Wat and Nor)?

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Would keep if benchable this week

    2. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I will likely turn him to Robbo for 24 and miss out on NOR, Im getting tired of Spurs defending and I think they will be getting another RB in the window

    3. Regin
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      u'll have to sell him soon anyways once he gets his customary red card.

    4. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      thanks all

  11. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Who to play, one of the below:

    1. Greenwood (NOR)
    2. Rico (WAT)
    3. Kelly (ARS)
    4. Dendoncker (NEW)

    Sorry, not the most inspiring bunch....

    1. Regin
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      probably 2.

    2. Karhumies
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      1

    3. vityovics
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      1

  12. Regin
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    why the hell is vardy is sold by 225k managers? next s'hampton at home. anything less than a 7-0 (after 9-0 away) is not gonna happen.

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Expect S'ton to take revenge.

      1. Regin
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        nah. vardy captain. dont mind if they take revenge in a 2-3 win with vardy brace

  13. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    I want a two game midfield punt, who do you think is best?

    A) Siggy Vs Brighton and West Ham

    B) Willian Vs Burnley and Newcastle

    1. Regin
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      b but dont expect more than 4-6 points for either from both matches.

      richarlison the better punt.

    2. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Willian

  14. Regin
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    A. When is Son gonna get his next red card? this season or next?
    B. How many minutes will he cry after getting red card?

    1. Soto Ayam
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A, next week, which is when ill bring him for a third time this season so he can get his third red card. Should hey some kinda points for that

  15. The Big Fella
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    I was debating getting Grealish in and keeping Alli but I am now debating just selling Alli for him. I didn't watch the matches but Alli apparently didn't play well (or Spurs in general) either in the Cup or the League at the weekend and they play Liverpool at the weekend. What do you think?

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Fixtures aren't great for villa.

      1. The Big Fella
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        City (who have a shite defence and Bravo in net) is their toughest. Then it is Brighton and Watford. I would expect Villa to score in all three and that will probably mean some involvement for Grealish

        1. George Sillett
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          I expect no more than 2 Villa goals in those 3 games.

          1. The Big Fella
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            I'd expect 1 in each but maybe.

    2. Lav
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I am looking to get rid of Alli. I have some tough moves to make.

      1. The Big Fella
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        What you thinking?

    3. Regin
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      i am selling alli probably for maddison short term & then kdb & maddison to salah & grealish gw24 for free. (have mane)

      1. The Big Fella
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Got Maddison and already have 3 Liverpool *sigh* I hate this game at times

    4. tucaoneo
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      There are two contradicting ideas.
      1. Alli scores goals for Spurs without Kane. Stats support that. I believe it's 11 goals in 13 matches or something like that.
      2. Spurs and Mourinho are rubbish in general atm.
      I was leaning towards 2 so I sold him.

      1. Regin
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        spurs do look rubbish, they just had the new coach effect.

      2. The Big Fella
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Yes. Hence why I am conflicted. Such a tough decision.....

    5. Soto Ayam
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Alli has been lacking in recent weeks and impetuous at best. Never far from a red yellow card when things don't go his way. I'll keep for this week as already used transfer. May switch for son or mane next week

  16. Lav
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Rashford + Alli to Ings + Salah for free?

    1. Regin
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      wait one gw. rash plays norwich home & salah plays spurs away. ings plays leicester away

      1. Lav
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Another week I dont use a FT after having 2 feels wrong though.

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      yes

    3. aborg
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      As other person said. Wait one more GW

      1. Lav
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Yes but I only have 0.3m leeway, otherwise I cannot do the moves. Price rises may force my hand.

        1. aborg
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          You'll be fine. I only have 0.1m leeway !!
          I hope that Ings won't rise or Tomori won't drop in price before GW starts! I can only afford one price rise or drop.
          Ideally DCL won't rise again so that I may buy for GW23.

          1. Lav
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Ings is close to a rise and will rise before the GW. Check FPLStats

            1. aborg
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 2 months ago

              Then I can afford just his price rise.

              1. The Polymath
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 8 Years
                4 years, 2 months ago

                Also check if an Alli fall will affect you.

  17. Dreaming of glory
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    1. Henderson, TAA, Douglas Luiz (Cantwel 4th mid)

    2. Ryan, TAA, mooy (Cantwel 4th mid)

    1. Dreaming of glory
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      + 0.2 with option 1 btw

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      2

    3. Kulusexy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      2

  18. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Who do you predict will keep more clean sheets now?

    A) Everton

    B) Arsenal

    C) Both concede a lot

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Both concede the odd frustrating goal.

    2. Kulusexy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A

  19. Twisted Saltergater
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Building towards this team for GW24. Is KdB a bit of a luxury alongside Mané and Salah?

    McCarthy - McGovern
    TAA - Soyuncu - Dunk - Lundstram - Williams
    Salah - Mané - KdB - Martial - Mooy
    Vardy - Jimenez - DCL

    0.0 ITB

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Noble over Mooy would be an option but would need to find 0.2m.

      1. Regin
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        just get cantwell & save the money

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          He's 4.9m now!

          1. Regin
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            in that case just get the 2 point man hayden & put him 3rd on bench,

  20. ooooo
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Guatia to Ryan/Fabianski? Got 2FT but thinking to only make on FT this week to save for DGW

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      McCarthy is only 4.3m if you need the £££

    2. Regin
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      why is everyone selling guaita? afte city game, palace fixtures are good again.

      1. ooooo
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        seems like their good clean sheet run is over now

        1. Regin
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          dont think so. palace excellent defensive team. i am keeping. unless u have kelly & dont want to double up.

          1. Lav
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Im keeping him.

          2. ooooo
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            I do have Kelly

  21. Regin
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    i am excited to get sidibe in. my gut feeling is he can get an assist or 2 apart from CS & get some bonus too.

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Prefer Mina at the same price.

      1. Regin
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        mina is like vvd. sidibe is like robertson. more exciting.

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Sidibe was awful vs Liverpool. Mind you, so were Everton generally.

          1. Regin
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            didnt see fa cup game but still they have shown defensive improvement. if money an issue, holgate better option. i had some cash so got sidibe.

            1. Twisted Saltergater
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 2 months ago

              Yeah, good shout. Holgate looks a decent option at 4.4m

  22. aborg
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Am I seeing well? Vardy's price set to drop tonight.

    Who the hell is selling Vardy and why ??

    1. tucaoneo
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      1 goal in 5 GWs. True story.

    2. Regin
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      my same Q above. people probably thought he is injured for longer time or s'thing. I am captaining him.

      1. aborg
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        heh i'm captaining too

    3. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Members of #teamcolleen

      1. aborg
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        and who are they?

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Get out

          1. aborg
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            What the hell are you on about ??

            1. Now I'm Panicking
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 2 months ago

              😀

    4. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Don't understand why you're irritated by that. He's clearly a season keeper in your opinion so this means not as many teams get his points. So good news for your team.

      1. aborg
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Actually I'm just amazed and maybe i've missed something.

        What I am really worried about is my cash ML (£1k pot) not my overall rating...it will not win me anything!

      2. Klip Klopp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        I'm not sure he was irritated bro lol

  23. woodboy76
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Bournemouth fixtures rotate very nicley with Brighton:

    Ramsdale/Ryan

    and

    Rico/Webster seem like great options to rotate for the next 8 weeks

    1. Regin
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      not touching bmouth. sold rico for sidibe.

  24. tbhogal
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Hi All, Any changes needed here? 2FT's 0.7m itb

    Pope (Button)
    Lundstrom, TAA, Soyuncu (Rico, Tomori)
    Grealish, KDB, Mane, Salah (Cantwell)
    Vardy, Maupay, Ings

    1. Regin
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      y do u even ask? looks perfect except for 2 cheap strikers in maupay & ings.

  25. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Just did Pope to Ryan.

    Bad move?

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Bit late now if it was

  26. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Reckon Pope to Pickford is a good move or a waste of money?

    1. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Good move

  27. SheBangsTheDrums
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Are those that are bringing in Fabianski unconcerned with the potential signing of Randolph?

  28. ooooo
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    GW22: Guatia to Ryan(have Kelly)
    GW23: Rashford to Ings
    GW24: Martial to Salah

    Does that work?

    1. ooooo
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      could potentially do Guatia to McCarthy this week and then Jiminez to DCL instead

  29. MikeLowrey
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Trying to work out my Pool transfers for GW24. Current team below which has some issues

    Hendo
    TAA Digne Soyuncu Lundstram
    Salah KDB Alli Martial
    Vardy Maupay

    (Button Pukki Kelly Dendoncker)

    A) Alli to Sarr, Pukki to Firmino (-4)
    B) Alli to Maddo
    C) Alli to Mahrez
    D) Roll FT

    I want Mane for GW24 but will need some surgery

  30. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Is front 3 of Ings DCL alongside Vardy OK to go with if allows midfield with Salah Mané KDB ( Grealish Cantwell other 2) and defence with TAA?

    1. fgdu
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      im planning on doing the same, so interested in the responses